GeorgeKittle

News: 12 hours agoKittle (Achilles) was seen running routes, catching passes and doing conditioning work prior to Monday's practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Spin: According to Wagoner, it was the most extensive work Kittle has done at practice this summer, as he continues to work his way back from a torn Achilles. Kittle remains on the active/PUP list for San Francisco, but he's continued to say he's on track to play Week 1 against the Rams in 31 days. He'll turn 33 years old in two months but figures to remain a red-zone presence for Brock Purdy. Kittle is no longer a top-tier fantasy tight end, but he should be productive when on the field in an efficient 49ers offense.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Kittle is undoubtedly among the best tight ends in the NFL and fantasy, but he simply can't dodge the injury bug. The 2017 fifth-round pick has played one full season (2018) and tore an Achilles in the team's wild-card victory after missing six regular-season games last season. Kittle could miss a few games to open the season and, now at 32 years old, might not be his usual, dominant self even when he returns. Kittle has finished sixth or better in fantasy PPG in each of the past eight seasons (including first in 2024), so he's worth a late-round flier, especially if you have an available IR slot.